Grape seed extract helps explain the allure of the "French Paradox."

Scientists first became interested in grape seed extract in the latter part of the 20^th Century due to an outgrowth of research about the "French Paradox." The French Paradox shows a low incidence of heart disease (nearly half that of the United States) among the French despite a high incidence of known dietary and other contributing factors to heart disease. Some scientists believe that the secret of the French Paradox is red wine, which is an integral part of the French diet. Further research suggests that antioxidant nutrients called OPCs (oligomeric proanthocyanidins), which leach from the grape seeds into red wine during the fermentation process, can help promote cardiovascular health. Grape seeds have been found to be one of the richest sources of OPCs.

Grape seed extract is a naturally occurring plant substance derived from grape seeds.

Grape seed extract contains a concentrated source of antioxidant nutrients known as OPCs. These OPCs can help protect against the effects of internal and environmental stresses (i.e., cigarette smoking, pollution, and normal body metabolic processes).

OPCs found in grape seed extract have an important role in health.

OPCs are extracted from red grape seeds and are the principal component in grape seed extract. These OPCs are powerful antioxidants. Studies have shown that OPCs can help fight free radical damage, which may be an important factor of many chronic and degenerative diseases such as certain types of cancer, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, cataracts and premature aging. Research studies have also shown grape seed extract can help promote cardiovascular, brain, skin and eye health.

Grape seed extract provides more antioxidant power than vitamins C, E and beta-carotene.

A study in the August 2000 issue of Toxicology reported that grape seed extract provides more antioxidant power than vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene (2). In fact, clinical studies found that grape seed extract is 2.4 times more potent that vitamin E, 4.8 times more potent than vitamin C and 7.3 times more potent than beta-carotene (3).

About the ActiVin_® Brand

Not all grape seed extracts are created equal.

There are countless brands of grape seed extract on store shelves. But not all grape seed extracts are created equal. The growing region of grapes, the grape extraction methodology and the potency of OPCs all affect quality.

ActiVin_® IH 636 grape seed extract distinguishes itself from other brands through its raw materials and extraction process. ActiVin_® IH 636 is made from premier California grapes, ensuring the highest quality grape seed extract. In addition, ActiVin_® IH 636 grape seed extract uses a patented water extraction process known as ActiPureä , an environmentally friendly, natural process that is able to recover a wider range of polyphenols from the grape seed. Because of the water extraction process, there are no chemical residues in the final product like those found in solvent extracted grape seed extracts.

The ActiVin_® IH 636 brand is backed by behind extensive research

More than 20 scientists at renowned universities, including Georgetown University, Creighton University and Long Island University, are committed to identifying the unique characteristics of grape components. More than 90 research presentations, publications and abstracts have reported the health benefits and research about ActiVin_® IH 636 is published in peer-reviewed journals, including Toxicology, The Journal of Medicine, and Fitoperia. Additional research initiatives to further understand the health benefits of grape seed extract are underway.

A person would need to eat 1.0 pound to 1.5 pounds of table grapes to receive the same antioxidant benefits as 50 mg of ActiVin_® IH 636 grape seed extract

Because ActiVin_® IH 636 grape seed extract is a concentrated source of OPCs, it is a far more potent source of antioxidants than other foods and beverages, including wine, grape seed oil, grapes, blueberries and cranberries.

How much ActiVin_® IH 636 grape seed extract should I take?

While the FDA has not established RDAs (Recommended Dietary Allowances) for grape seed extract, ActiVin_® IH 636 research has studied daily doses ranging between 50 mg to 200 mg. Leading grape seed extract researcher Debasis Bagchi recommends a daily dose of 50 mg for adults ages 30 years to 40 years, 100 mg for adults ages 40 years to 50 years, and 200 mg for adults older than 50 years.

Are there any potential side effects from taking grape seed extract?

No side effects have been reported from ActiVin_® IH 636 grape seed extract.

Can I take too much ActiVin_® IH 636?

ActiVin_® IH 636 has been evaluated using FDA toxicology tests and has shown no overdose effects. Grape seed researchers recommend not exceeding suggested doses.

I’m pregnant. Can I take ActiVin_® IH 636?

Always consult with your physician prior to taking any dietary supplement, including ActiVin_® IH 636.

I’m lactose intolerant. Can I take ActiVin_® IH 636?

ActiVin_® IH 636 does not contain lactose; therefore, it should be suitable if you are lactose intolerant.

I have diabetes. Can I take ActiVin_® IH 636?

ActiVin_® IH 636 should not affect blood glucose regulation. However, if you are undergoing treatment for diabetes, consult with your physician prior to taking any dietary supplement, including ActiVin_® IH 636.

I have high blood pressure. Can I take ActiVin_® IH 636?

ActiVin_® IH 636 should not alter the effect of blood pressure medications. However, consult with your physician prior to taking any dietary supplement, including ActiVin_® IH 636.

Is ActiVin_® IH 636 Kosher?

Yes, ActiVin_® IH 636 is the only grape seed extract certified by K.O.A., a subsidiary of the Orthodox that is Kosher Association for the observance of Kashruth.

Do grapes, wine, or grape seed oil have the same positive health benefits as grape seed extract?

Wine and grape seed oil contain very small amounts of OPCs and cannot compare in antioxidant potency to grape seed extract. For example, you would need to eat 1.0 pound to 1.5 pounds of table grapes to receive the same antioxidant benefits as 50 mg of ActiVin_® IH 636 grape seed extract.

What’s the difference between grape seed extract and pine bark extract?

Both grape seed and pine bark extracts contain proanthocyanidins. However, grape seed extract is a more potent source of antioxidants because it has a wider array of proanthocyanidins, with a significantly higher number of OPCs. Grape seed extract can have seven to 15 percent more OPCs than pine bark extract (4).

How much does ActiVin_® IH 636 grape seed extract cost?

A 30-day supply of ActiVin_® IH 636 costs approximately $20.

Where can I purchase ActiVin_® IH 636 grape seed extract?

ActiVin_® IH 636 is available in health food stores, chain drug stores, department stores and grocery stores nationwide. For specific ActiVin_® IH 636 locations, visit the Web site at http://www.ActiVin.com or call Dry Creek Nutrition, Inc. at (209) 341-5696.

Dry Creek Nutrition, Inc. is committed to fostering greater awareness about grape seed extract that is backed with sound scientific research. We hope this information helps you in your efforts to educate your customers and gives you the tools you need to provide the best care for your customers.

For more information about ActiVin_® IH 636 grape seed extract visit the Web site www.ActiVin.com.

Brought to you by Dry Creek Nutrition, Inc.

References

1. Antioxidants Get Healthy. Chemical Week. New York, NY: Chemical Week Associates; January 14, 1998;60:23.

2. Bagchi D, et al. Free radicals and grape seed proanthocyanidin extract: importance in human health and disease prevention. Toxicology. 2000;148:187-197.

3. Bagchi D, et al. Protective effects of grape seed proanthocyanidins and selected antioxidants against TPA-induced hepatic and brain lipid peroxidation and DNA fragmentation, and peritoneal macrophage activation in mice. Gen Pharmacol. 1998;30;771-6.

4. Masquelier J. Historical note on OPC. France: Martillac; 1991.

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